Hotspotoutdoors

With new underwater camera models from Marcum Technologies hitting the store shelves, we thought you would like a closer look at what all the whoopla is about.

Most anglers are familiar with CRT monitor underwater camera systems, where viewing video on the monitor in the open outdoors is basically impossible without getting up close and shrouding the monitor with your hands or a device to shield the screen from unwanted glare and reflections. Or you need to view the monitor inside a fishing shelter. With today’s LCD flat panel monitor technology gaining momentum, not only for computer and home entertainment, LCD flat panel monitors are also finding its way out on the water, in the application of Marcum’s “daylight viewable” underwater camera systems.

Marcum’s “One Step Ahead” approach to viewing the underwater world is available on the VS820 (black and white) and VS825c (color) underwater viewing systems. Both models utilize an 8-inch LCD flat panel high-resolution (600v x 800h) monitor. Both systems are designed for all-season use since Marcum incorporated an internal thermostatically controlled heater to achieve optimum viewing performance in whatever temperatures you use these systems.

Sending video signals, in this case to the 825c LCD flat panel monitor, is a Sony CCD Super HAD color camera mounted in Marcum’s new Manta housing design.

The Manta camera design incorporates Marcum’s Darkwater Technology, where two high intensity LED lights, used during low light conditions, are mounted above and rearward of the camera lens, to reduce particulate reflections straight back into the camera lens. Thus, creating a clearer picture when the light system is used; versus lights that surround and are even with the camera lens. An internal weight also helps to deploy the camera smoothly and is one less thing to worry about.

A down viewing fin is included and snaps onto the back of the Manta camera easily. To reduce cable kinks and stress where the cable enters the camera, allow about a 6-inch loop in the cable when using the down viewing fin. And, if using the system in moving water, such as under a drifting boat, the fin can be added to gain stability, which keeps the camera pointed forward, too.

All controls (power, lighting, screen brightness, contrast, color and sharpness) are accessible on the front of the LCD monitor. The menu button activates the user adjustable screen settings. The up and down buttons adjust the setting levels and the intensity of the LED lighting as well.

On the back of the LCD monitor, the camera and power cord have 90-degree plugs, so less stress is placed on connectors and the monitor can fold down flat for storage. A video output jack is also located on the back of the monitor to allow easy access to an external recording device, too.

The storage area contains a rechargeable battery, in its section of the molded plastic interior case, 75-feet of camera cord and the Manta camera. The battery is strapped down so it doesn’t jostle around. For easier access, the backside of the soft case can be unzipped and folded open.

When the LCD monitor is folded down, for transport or storage, the camera is safely stored underneath the monitor and not exposed. A padded protective cover also folds down over the flat panel monitor for safe transportation, too.

A two-stage charger, with an initial charge of 1-amp and then switching to a trickle charge contains an indicator light to signify when fully charged.

To tilt the LCD monitor up for use, loosen the plastic knobs on each side, push the knobs in with your palms and tilt the monitor upward to the desired angle.

Lower the Manta camera and you’re off and viewing. Being the 825c is a color system we found ourselves adjusting the monitor settings a little more than we normally would with older CRT black and white systems.

For one, the controls are easier to adjust, since they’re right in front versus in the rear of most systems. And two, we were curious to know how the adjustments affected the color image on the monitor. The golden stained water of the lake we were on was quite evident on the monitor.

The ability to view and not have to shroud the monitor and the compactness of the system are a couple of the features we like about the Marcum 825c so far.

An angler who walked over to see how the bite was going took a look at the Marcum 825c over our shoulder and mentioned that he has never seen an underwater camera that can be viewed while standing up - in the open outdoors - without a shroud. He walked away impressed!

Contact
Marcum Technologies
csr@marcumcustomerservice.com
763-323-0456

This is one awesome camera MarCum has come out with. Hopefully next season I will be owning one of the 800 series.

I wish it was summer and I could afford one of these right now. Even tho I know I would prolly break it somehow I would love to have one. The technology has come so far and the image is so clear. I hope next year when I go to purchase on they will have the rotating camera instead of having to add the compass.

How is the picture at night, low light, or stained water? I was looking at getting a camera and the 2 places I went the sales person talked me out of it because they are (worthless after dark). They both said that the lights are a gimmick and don't really work. Is this true or not? i would love to have one but I fish mostly at night. Thanks

And this person is somehow got qualifications to make such a statement? LOL's

I don't own an ice fishing underwater camera, but I've been on waters where daytime meant you couldn't see more than a foot, just due to particles in water refracting light.

The reality of camera position and light position can work against you, just like driving in thick fog or blind blizzard condition. It's a shame that practically all vehicles with fog lights don't have operating fog lights without the having the regular head lights one.

I think that in most cases the camera lights are not enough to be productive at night. I've got 150 lumens flashlight shining down the hole and can't see much more than a few feet beyond the ice in some lakes on other's there's as much as up to 15 feet guestimated (see big 1/2 ox airplane bucktail lure, see flasher mark - LOL's).

Shining a light down in the water is a bit different than lighting the bottom contour of the lake from the side, IMO. You won't get the same result.
I don't believe not one camera manufacturer has or ever will make the claim that its lighting system "clears" the water of particles so you can see clearly at night. If that's what you're looking for, you can quit looking. Can one system's lighting position reflect less particles in the water, creating a better viewing quality? Sure can.

And this person is somehow got qualifications to make such a statement? LOL's

It was 2 differant sales guys at 2 differant sporting goods stores.

Thanks, I have a friend that bought one with a 30 day return policy, we will try it out and make our own decision.

That's really what you have to do, FT. There's so many variables (depth using it, water clarity using it in, natural light penetration, etc, etc).

Some of the rules/philosophy of sales:
- don't give an opinion to disparage a product.

Some of the rules/philosophy of customer service:
- give information about product.
- explain the technology behind the product.
- explain the benefits and the limitation of it's use.

If anyone knows anything about cameras, you know that they don't work very well at night. To say that it's worthless is an opinion. In short explanation, CCD's (charge coupled devices) are light(photon) sensitive silicon that can still produce an image in low light. It takes other digital processors to send that image through a visual reproduction.

With that in mind, a camera light that's close to the camera and being refracted by water and reflected by particles in water can result in undesirable effects. If a light was position a little more distance away from the camera eye and can still produce enough light, you can get a somewhat limited operation. Light positioning maybe a foot or two away from the camera either on cord or below it can improve your camera's usefulness. Mainly the concept is simple like a street lamp vs head beams in thick fog.

Personally, I would love to get Gen III or IV infrared technology in underwater viewing systems. Might end up costing as much as a dive camera bot. I totally have no idea how it would perform underwater, but seeing night vision feature on some Sony camcorders makes me wonder how neat it would be for underwater viewing application at night.

Just a wish list of mine...don't know if it's affordable.

STOP LOOKING! Maybe Marcum doesn't make the claim...but I will!

I'm not sure who designed the manta case and it's two LED lights on the 825 color unit...but they are totally UNBELIEVABLE for viewing in depths of 30 to 50 feet where light just can't get too.

I owned a Marcum 500 with a bunch of lights around the camera lens. It was so ineffective on the St Croix River after about 25 fow or at night. As the poster stated above, it looked like a snow storm. I would turn it off.

Because the way the two little white LED's are mounted above the camera...well you guys can give the explanations...all I know is that these two Marcum units work fantastic at night and at depths down to 50 feet.

Now I just need to figure out a way to remove some advertising from a youtube video...and I could prove it!

What I did was to drop the manta into the Mississippi River. Without using the lights of course. Once it reached the bottom at 35 or so feet, if I looked hard enough, I could see the cloud of sediment rise from the camera disturbing the bottom. I then turn the 4 position of intesity lights on high. It is truly amazing!

Bk

Can you unplug from small screen and hook up to a tv?

Looks like there's a video jack for that on the back. Was said it was for recording but I dont see why not a tv.

I certainly would give this camera a try.. Like said the only way to find out is to use one.
So far we have seen two good reviews on the camera by those that actually used one. The rest well its understandable to be skeptical with seeing the past performances of cameras.. I'm a sceptic but sure will give it a try.
Besides a good review from I Da man from using it on a river got to say something.

Thanks Dave for your report very informative.

Brian is dead on, these cameras are at the leading edge for underwater viewing.

I owe the Marcum 825c and I will tell you the color is good and the lights work very well. What makes this system so good is I can run a video cable to my 20" flat panel and watch the fish come in, the quality of the picture on the flat panel is unbelieveable...sometimes it's more fun watching the fish than catching them.

Does the 825c have the camera turning remote?

Not at this time...